Guild for the Blind
Phone: 312-236-8569 Fax: 312-236-8128
www.guildfortheblind.org
GUILD BRIEFS – JUNE 2008
"Guild Briefs" is made possible in part by grants from the Dr. Scholl Foundation and donations by Guild members.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. If the hours listed above do not meet your needs, please contact us to discuss other arrangements.
The following articles do not constitute an endorsement by the Guild for the Blind's editorial staff. --Editor, Edwin Hill
Guild Brief Improvements: In an effort to improve the electronic version of Guild Briefs, you can now jump from a listing in the table of contents directly to the article. Also the title of each article is now marked as a heading. People using screen reading software can use the headings command to quickly jump form article to article. In order for these features to work, you need to receive Guild Briefs in HTML format.
Guild Briefs is now available on NFB-Newsline. For more information call 866-504-7300 or visit www.nfbnewsline.org.
CONTENTS
1. Apology to Print Version Readers
2. Basic Sewing Class
3. The Truth about Canes and Dogs
4. Guild Support Group
5. Accessible Cell Phone Workshop
6. NLS Talking Books Changes
7. Two New NLS devices
8. Victor Reader Stream Offer
9. Handbills for Networking
10. William F. Lynch Award
11. Guild Volunteer of the Year
12. Guild Volunteer Party
13. Employment Survey of People with Disabilities
14. IPCVI Zoo Outing
15. ICRE Wood Events
June Calendar
Apology to Print Version Readers
Due to a printing error the font used for the print version of Guild Briefs was illegible to some readers. This problem has been corrected. Thank you to the people who alerted us to this issue. If you ever have a concern or suggestion for Guild Briefs, contact David Tabak at 312-236-8569 or david@guildfortheblind.org.
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Basic Sewing Class
The Guild is offering a 4-part class on basic sewing. The class will cover basic repairs such as attaching buttons or repairing small tears. June 2, 9, 16 & 23. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Free. Contact Polly Abbott at 312-236 8569 or polly@guildfortheblind.org.
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The Truth about Canes and Dogs
The Guild is offering a workshop discussing the pros and cons of each tool and the skills needed to be a successful, independent traveler. Fri., June 13, 1:30 pm. Free. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
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Guild Support Group
The Guild is starting a weekly support group for adults with vision loss. This group will begin in late summer or early fall and last for 10-12 weeks. Free. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or
lauri@guildforthblind.org.
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Accessible Cell Phone Workshop
The Guild will host its popular workshop on adaptive technology for cell phones again. The workshop will cover both speech and magnification options. Representatives from manufacturers and service providers have been invited. Free. Sat., June 7, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Contact David Flament at 312-236-8569 or davidf@guildfortheblind.org.
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NLS Talking Books Changes
Tech Exchange will welcome a representative from the Talking Books Center. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about the upcoming changes in the NLS Library system to digital recordings. June 3, 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Free. Contact Kathy Austin or David Flament at 312-236-8569.
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Two New NLS devices
Two devices can now be used to read downloadable audio materials from the National Library Service (NLS). The LevelStar Icon is a portable device that provides access to contacts, documents and media. To learn more visit www.levelstar.com, call 800-315-2305 or email info@levelstar.com.
American Printing House for the Blind's Braille+ Mobile Manager is a handheld, accessible tool that combines entertainment and productivity. For complete information about the Braille+, go to www.aph.org/tech/pda_info.htm.
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Victor Reader Stream Offer
The Guild is offering a unique opportunity to purchase the popular Victor Reader Stream by Humanware and receive hands-on training. The Victor Reader Stream is a personal listening device that enables you to read DAISY books, download books from the National Library Service and audible.com, store music and text files and make voice recordings. The Guild is offering a hands-on training workshop at our Tech Exchange meeting on Aug. 3 to help you get started. This offer includes the Stream with a 2 GB SD card, no sales tax or shipping charges (if picked up at the Guild) and the training workshop for the low cost of $329. Those who already have a Victor Reader Stream are also welcome to attend the training. Contact Kathy Austin or David Flament at 312-236-8569 or e-mail at kathya@guildfortheblind.org
or davidf@guildfortheblind.org.
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Handbills for Networking
The Guild’s Career Networking Club discusses handbills and why it is a beneficial networking tool for getting good job leads. Thur., June 12, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Contact Lauri Dishman at 312-236-8569 or lauri@guildforthblind.org.
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William F. Lynch Award
The Guild is seeking nominations for its 2008 William F. Lynch Service Award. This award recognizes an individual/agency for exemplary service to people with vision loss. The ideal candidate has provided an important service in the Chicago area, has direct contact with the people being served, has far-reaching impact and exemplifies the Guild's focus on the individual. To nominate a candidate, send a letter of 500 words or less to David Tabak, Executive Director c/o the Guild or david@guildfortheblind.org. The letter should list the candidate, his/her contact information and qualifications based on the above criteria. Contact information for the nominator should also be provided. Deadline: June 27.
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Guild Volunteer of the Year
Congratulations to Levorn Clement, 2008 Guild Volunteer of the Year. Playing many roles, Levorn has been an invaluable member of our team. First coming to the Guild for computer training and Employment Connection services, Levorn quickly joined the volunteer ranks, becoming best known for her professionalism while serving callers and visitors every Monday and Thursday. Thank you, Levorn, for all you do and being part of the Guild family! If you are interested in volunteering at the Guild, contact Kerry Obrist at 312-236-8569 or kerry@guildfortheblind.org.
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Guild Volunteer Party
The Guild would like to thank the following businesses for the wonderful raffle items they donated for our Volunteer Appreciation Party this year: American Theater Company; Arts & Artisans; Chicago Marriott Downtown; Clear Vision Midwest; Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust; LS&S; and Trader Joe’s. We also thank the following individuals who provided gifts for our volunteers: Alex & Kathy Rago; David Flament; Judy Popa; Kathy & Bryan Austin; Dr. & Mrs. Kirk Packo; Phyllis Wilson; Tandy Rye; and Tencia Gonzales. Your generous contributions helped show our great appreciation for our dedicated volunteers.
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Employment Survey of People with Disabilities
The State of Illinois is conducting a survey to identify barriers to employment for people with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability, go to www.surveymonkey.com/migconsumer; if you are a parent of a transitioning student, go to: www.surveymonkey.com/migparent; if you are a service provider, go to:
www.surveymonkey.com/migprovider. For a copy of the survey in an alternate format contact Sandra Mott at 217-524-7170 or Sandra.Mott@illinois.gov.
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IPCVI Zoo Outing
The Illinois Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments is hosting a Brookfield Zoo outing on July 19 for families of visually impaired children. Free. Call Vicki at 877-411-4784 or Lyle Stauder at 217-741-6194 by June 18.
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ICRE Wood Events
Senior Day Program Reunion, June 13, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm. Contact Lee Jones at 773-722-7837 by June 2. Dance Contest in October during Disability Awareness month, contact Rosalin Minor at 312-633-3772 by June 3.
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JUNE CALENDAR
Mon., June 2, 9, 16 & 23 at 1:30 pm: Basic Sewing at the Guild. Click here to read article.
Tues., June 3, 4:00 pm: Tech Exchange, topic: Digital Books, at the Guild. Click here to read article.
Wed., June 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 1:00 pm: New Visions at Colony Park, Carol Stream. Contact Kathy Austin at 312-236-8569 or kathya@guildfortheblind.org.
Sat. June 7, 10:00 am –12:00 pm: Making your Cell Phone Accessible, at the Guild. Click here to read article.
Thurs. June 12, 10:00 am –12:00 pm: Career Networking Club at the Guild. Click here to read article.
Fri., June 13, 1:30 pm: The Truth about Canes and Dogs at the Guild. Click here to read article.
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Programs & Services - For Those With New Vision Loss - Low Vision Devices & Tools for Daily Living - Guild Briefs - Scholarships - Passionate Focus Art Exhibit - Program Partners - Donor Opportunities - Calendar of Events